Lilly to Invest $850 Million into US Operations Expansion

Part of the special news roundup of DCAT member companies for the DCAT Week ’17 Special Edition of DCAT Value Chain Insights (April 5, 2017)

Eli Lilly and Company plans to invest $850 million across its US operations in 2017, including research laboratories, manufacturing sites, and general and administrative areas. The investments are being driven by demand for Lilly products as well as its drug pipeline targeting cancer, pain, diabetes, and other unmet medical needs.

The investments include plans for a new $85-million expansion of its Trulicity (dulaglutide) device assembly operations in the US, part of a five-year investment by the company to expand its US diabetes products manufacturing operations, which also includes a $140-million insulin cartridge production facility. Lilly's $850-million total investment will fund both projects that are already underway as well as new projects that will be initiated throughout the course of the year, including additional projects in Indianapolis.

Over the course of the last five years (2012-2016), Lilly has invested approximately $1.1 billion to boost its diabetes products manufacturing operations in the US, including upgrades to existing facilities as well as the addition of new capacity and capabilities based on the growth of the company's diabetes pipeline and portfolio and the increased prevalence of the disease. During this period, Lilly has increased its US manufacturing workforce by more than 1,000 employees--from 5,000 to 6,000 roles--with approximately 400 added in Indianapolis.

During the last decade, Lilly has invested approximately $5 billion in its US facilities, and more investments can be expected, particularly if the US adopts a more favorable tax environment, according to the company.